
Ottawa Community Social Innovation Student Fund
FUND ESTABLISHMENT: Established in late December 2020, through the leadership and generous support of donor Chris Braeuel. The “Ottawa Community Social Innovation Student Fund” supports students to provide pro bono digital technology support to local social enterprises and non-profits.
OUTCOMES: Students gain employment at a living wage and real world experiences in their chosen field to work. Organizations in our community who help make this such a kind and caring community recieve access to digital technology support to address their respective social missions.
USE OF FUNDS: All funds are used to directly support student employment and leveraged through existing Government programs for student internships ensuring maximum impact. Each dollar contributed can generate up to 3 additional dollars of funding for student employment.

“Having a targeted program, and fund, that continues to foster a mutually beneficial experience for students and local social enterprises is a valuable contribution to our community” — Chris Braeuel
Donate NowBeneficiaries
Meet the beneficiaries of the new Ottawa Community Social Innovation Student Fund and their important work supporting community-based organizations in Ottawa.


2022 Marwa Alibakhiet
Marwa is studying Public Relations. Her project at the Social Innovation Lab is Map the System, a global competition that challenges students & educators to think differently about social and environmental change. Marwa is also working on Humans of Impact, which curates stories of social enterprises.
2023 Prajakta Amin
Prajakta is studying Marketing Management. Her project at the Social Innovation Lab is assisting Zero Waste Canada, an organization committed to ending the age of wastefulness; she is helping them streamline their communication strategy and digital efforts. She is also working on Genvironment, which advocates for sustainability education.


2024 Paula Lucia Morella
Paula is studying Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Centered Design. Her project at the Social Innovation Lab is advancing new student-led social enterprises on campus. With a multidisciplinary background in public policy, illustration, and design research, she is passionate about creating solutions that foster community belonging.